Samuel Welk

Name: Samuel Welksam-welk-photo.png

Hometown: Strasburg

Anticipated graduation: Fall 2020

Major(s): 1.Occupational Safety & Environmental Health (OSEH)

2. Environmental Health & Emergency Management (EHEM)

Internships/Research/Projects:

Internships: Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)

Research: Conducted research and testing on the Freedom Harness (safety harness for workers at height). Findings were presented at the ASSP conference in San Antonio Texas and to the local ASSP chapter.

Inspirations (For major, research, internship):

I have had a lot of inspiration for my research and internships through my passions and people that I know. The harness testing, I conducted was due largely in part to my love for rope rescue and the ability to tie that into a research project. My internships have both been closely related to my degrees, yet they have incorporated my secondary passion of firefighting.

Highlights:

Highlights form my internships revolve around the highly unique and interesting field of nuclear power. Throughout my internship at the Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Station I had the ability to experience things that most people do not have the opportunity to. These experiences included touring a nuclear power station and a hydroelectric power generation station. I also had the ability to rewrite firefighter fatality recommendations using plain language and conduct research on butane honey oil manufacturing in the United States.

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

 I took away a lot from my internships including many professional connections that I will have to lean on when I am working in the field.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

Always be willing to learn and ask questions. Experience in the field is an invaluable component of your education, so take advantage of every opportunity you can!

Aspirations (upon graduation):

Work as a career firefighter, incorporating safety into my job, and continuing to learn and grow professionally.

If you are currently employed in your field, please provide professional information, where you work, when you started, etc.:

I am currently employed part time as a firefighter at Manheim Township Fire & Rescue as I complete my degree.

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?

The most significant and exciting aspect of my degree has been the ability to make connections and meet new people.